South Side-based Little Earth Productions will now handle manufacturing and distribution of the Terrible Towel, taking over for a company in Wisconsin.

"It became clear that the Steelers wanted to bring the Terrible Towel home. They wanted to bring it back to Pittsburgh. It had been made out of state for a number of years," said Little Earth Productions CEO Rob Brandegee.

Brandegee said fans can expect to see plenty of new "Terrible" merchandise in the coming months.

"We’ve got some collectible items, some new line extensions, some things, I think, that put the Terrible Towel where, I think, it’s always wanted to be and really connecting it so firmly with the actual charity, which at the end of the day, that’s what's the most important thing," said Brandegee.

Legendary Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope created the Terrible Towel in 1975 leading up to Pittsburgh's playoff game against the Baltimore Colts.

In 1996, he turned over the rights to the Allegheny Valley School, which cares for children ad adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Proceeds from Terrible Towel sales have helped raise more than $4 million for the school since then.

Brandegee said the Terrible Towel will still be available at all the usual locations.

"All those places that you expect to find a Terrible Towel, you will find it, and more," said Brandegee.